Despite objections from preservationists and local civic activists, the board approved a measure this week making its intent clear. The Washington Post reports the measure gives the superintendent authority to sign a non-binding letter of intent to sell the property to Penzance Properties, a developer.

The county says it will appoint a working group to help develop a plan to guide the redevelopment. The area to be redeveloped includes a fire station, some adjacent property and an apartment building.

The school, meanwhile, has not been a full-time neighborhood elementary school since 1968, but it has been used as a temporary school during renovations and has housed community programs.